New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research abstracts

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Distribution, seasonality, lengths, and feeding behaviour of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) observed in New Zealand waters

C. A. J. Duffy

Department of Conservation
P.O. Box 112
Hamilton, New Zealand
email: cduffy@doc.govt.nz

Abstract   Data from 36 whale shark (Rhincodon typus Smith, 1828) sightings off north-east North Island, New Zealand are summarised. Sightings were concentrated over the outer shelf and shelf break in areas influenced by the East Auckland Current at sea surface temperatures (SST) of 21-24°C. Sightings occurred from late spring to early autumn (November-April) but were most frequent in midsummer (February) when upwelling along the north-east shelf is weakest. The data indicate whale sharks occur off north-east New Zealand most summers, including those when SST is colder than usual. A cluster of sightings and three observations of whale sharks feeding on schools of anchovy (Engraulis australis) near Whale Island, Bay of Plenty, suggest whale sharks may aggregate seasonally in this area. Estimated total lengths (TL) of 26 whale sharks ranged from 3.5 to 15 m, with 73% between 6 and 9 m TL.

Keywords   whale shark; Rhincodon typus; distribution; seasonality; size frequency; anchovy; East Auckland Current; New Zealand

M02007 Received 30 January 2002; accepted 29 April 2002; published 17 September 2002
New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2002, Vol. 36: 565-570
0028-8330/02/3603-0565 $7.00 © The Royal Society of New Zealand 2002

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